Jeff's Invasive Species***Finished***

[jssel]

Using the Airfix 1/72 scale kit, I hope to build the second pattern aircraft for the B-57A-1 serial 17352. Cranberries invade the U.S.




Kit images to follow.

[jssel]

So, here is what we have to work with. I had built this kit in the early 80's and really liked it. One of Airfix's good ones.

The box art:



The innards:



So will be starting soon after the paint drys on the C-5A.

[jssel]

Woke up early today and spent a lovely couple of hours on the bench. State of play right now after putting the pieces together that come in halves. What a beautiful kit. With just the slightest of clean up, everything fits so well together.

Not getting fancy with this one. Dropping the flaps and boxing in the landing gear was an option but then it probably would not get done. However, the bomb bay screams to be left open and so it will.




And like John, bonus points for a real CBK.

[Martin R]

Jeff,

I look forward to seeing what you do with this.

My experience of the same kit quite a few years ago now was that the fit was pretty atrocious. I'm glad you're not seeing the same issues!

regards,

Martin

[jssel]

Above photo links repaired.

Basic air frame together now. No problems encountered as yet. Knowing that nothing will be seen behind the pilots seat I constructed a cage to hold the copious amount of weight to hold the nose down.

I have used filler on the crew access door as it sinks into the opening a little.

I'm loving this kit. At least mine is fitting well and only has a little flash.

[MerlinJones]

Good kit, good progress.

Regards,
Bruce

[jssel]

Seam lines touched up. Had to lower the pilots seat a tad so the canopy would fit properly. Looking over paint supplies now. Can anyone tell me if the upper surfaces were dark sea grey or sea grey?***sorted***

Also the decals were sourced out except for the red tail numbers. I think my LMS has red Woodland Scenics rub on's in the 45 deg angle US Gothic.

[airjim]

This is one I've always wanted, but I've never found. Seen the B-57 around occasionally, but not the original. Look forward to seeing more Jeff.

Jim

[jssel]

Such a deal Jim. My LMS has one I can get for a song. Interested? Give me a PM.

[jssel]

Medium sea grey now added to the upper surface. Poly Scale is still my brand of choice while it lasts.

When cured, some careful masking for the glossy black bottom.

[Martin R]

Looking good, Jeff!

regards,

Martin

[jssel]

Tamiya's X-1 Gloss Black added to the under surface. I like that paint as it is very smooth in the finish. The masking came off and only a tiny bit of clean up was needed. With luck like that better buy a lottery ticket.

I was fooling around adding the bomb rack to the inside of the bomb bay and the roof piece popped clear of the forward and aft bulkheads. Going to have to think this "puzzle" through a little.

[jssel]

This one has fallen off the radar. Sorry. Well it is decaled and possibly today put on the fiddly bits.

[JamesPerrin]

Hope to see it soon. The paint job looks very neat. Is this basically the RAF's postwar bomber command scheme but with stars'n'bars?

[jssel]

So here she is. Pattern number 2 aircraft sent to Martin Aircraft to be the forerunner to the B-57.





I very much enjoyed this kit. The tail numbers will have to be sourced out later on. It is the second one I have built. One of Airfix's classic works.

Think of what a re-issue would be with new multiple choice decals.